Director of Big Brother Watch, an organisation dedicated to exposing the true scale of surveillance in the UK, Emma Carr told Huffington Post UK: "At best, posting this image was a complete waste of time.

Helicopter surveillance is overseen by the National Police Air Service, with regional bases across the country.

The ground operations director for the NPAS, Superintendent Richard Watson, said: "We are aware of the tweet and, as far as we are aware, it does not breach any data protection legislation. We feel however it was inappropriate and it has since been removed.

"We will be speaking to the person who posted the tweet."

Each aircraft carries a variety of hand-held digital cameras, capable of taking high-resolution images to be used for evidential purposes or to assist officers in planning and executing operations. They are also capable of streaming live footage to command bases.

Police also regularly fly planes, fitted with surveillance equipment capable of intercepting phone calls and listening in on conversations, over London, according to reports.

Ukip MEP for London Gerard Batten condemned the branch for posting the photo, saying: "The photograph of Michael McIntyre by a police helicopter and its publishing online is a gross misuse of police power.

"It isn't some private citizen taking a snap of a passing celebrity, this is the police, abusing their authority.

"The implications for civil liberties raised by this are appalling to consider. This isn't Hollywood, this is real life."